Frequently Asked Physical Therapy Questions
Q: What kind of education is required to become a physical therapist?
A: Most physical therapy programs require an entry-level professional degree as a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), but the minimum educational requirement is a master’s degree.
Q: Is a physical therapist a doctor?
A: It is becoming increasingly common for physical therapists to graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. More than 92 percent of the accredited schools in the nation offer professional physical therapist education programs that include a DPT degree, and more than 75 percent of PT graduates receive a DPT degree.
Q: Can a physical therapist specialize in one area of expertise?
A: Some physical therapists focus their knowledge on specific aspects of therapies such as manual therapy, sports therapy, orthopedics, pediatrics, or geriatrics. Extra certification is required to be considered a specialist in any particular area.
Q: Who is a PTA?
A: Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) must have an associate degree from an accredited program and, in most states, PTAs are licensed. PTAs assist physical therapists under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Q: What can I expect physical therapy to accomplish?
A: A physical therapist can improve your mobility and quality of life without the need for surgery or pain medication. A physical therapist can be instrumental in the rehabilitation of orthopedic, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, and other conditions and injuries.
Q: What can a physical therapist do to help me?
A: Your physical therapist is an expert on the mechanics or “movement” of the human body. Targeted therapies can promote better mobility, reduce pain, restore function after surgery or injury, and help you achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Q: How do I start visiting a physical therapist?
A: You can make an appointment with a physical therapist directly, without a physician referral, or you can begin your therapy under the care of a referring physician.
Q: Can physical help alleviate pain?
A: Yes! In many cases, a comprehensive, personally tailored treatment plan created by a physical therapist can help you reduce and/or eliminate pain. Therapists that specialize in specific pain management techniques are increasingly common.
Q: Can physical therapy allow me to avoid surgery?
A: Many conditions can be successfully treated without the expense, pain, and longer recovery associated with surgery. Conservative care like physical therapy is often the first approach recommended to help patients.
Q: Is physical therapy covered by my health insurance?
A: In many cases, yes. Please check out the list of insurances we accept by clicking here.
Do you still have questions you would like to ask? Call us today at (434) 817-0980 and let us help you start to Move Better!